Catalyst Support Resources

The information on this page offers a review of presentations and discussions shared with families on a yearly basis through Catalyst evening workshops.

I. Thinking About Post-Graduation

A. Learning Differences/Disabilities

B. Colleges That Change Lives (www.ctcl.org)

C. Post-Graduation Resources

D. Options/Opportunities after Catalyst

  • Employment/Work
  • Military
  • Technical/Vocational/Specialized Schools
  • Gap Year Activity
  • Two-Year Colleges
  • Four-Year
    • Higher Education Admission Requirements
    • Admissions Eligibility Index

II. Financial Aid Evening

A. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid www.fafsa.ed.gov )

B. Fastweb Merit Based Scholarships (www.fastweb.com)

C. Career, College and Financial Aid (www.collegeview.com)

III. Spring Agenda

A. Timeline and Guide for Year by Year Priorities

B. Resources to Support Priorities

 

 

 

IV. Preparing for Post-Graduation

A. YEAR ONE/FRESHMAN

  • Make certain core areas are represented in your child’s academic schedule
    • (Mathematics, Sciences, L Arts, Social Studies, World Language)
  • Be alert to the different options that are available to a student after graduation from high school. Which are of interest to you or priorities of your family?
  • Understand the following college preparation courses for most institutions:
    • Four years of Language Arts/English
    • Three years of Mathematics (through Alg. 2, Trig.)
    • Two years of a natural science (one should be lab based)
    • Two years of history/social studies (include Gov. and Geog.)
    • Two years of the same world language
    • One year of art and one year of electives from above courses.
  • Start a file on any volunteer or community service participation, activities or clubs you might be active in at this time.
  • Develop sound study habits and commit to a homework/project completion schedule.
  • Check out a summer internship or shadowing experience of an occupation or career of interest.

B. YEAR TWO/SOPHOMORE

  • Check academic schedule for high school graduation and/or college planning.
  • Create a free account with College in Colorado
  • Go to Career Planning
    • Take interest inventory
    • Investigate Explore Careers tab
    • Go to College Planning
    • Explore Majors (areas of study) that connect with interests
    • Explore Universities/Colleges
      • Size, location, cost, student population, activities, etc.
  • Summer tours of colleges/universities of potential interest

C. YEAR THREE/JUNIOR

  • Fall
    • Check academic schedule for high school and/or college planning
    • Create resume/profile, research job seeking skills (College in Colorado)
    • Interests, majors changed?
    • Request information from schools of interest; attend in/out of state college fairs.
    • Narrow list of colleges according to interest, major, admissions criteria. Create a profile which includes dream and realistic possibilities with at least one guaranteed admissions
    • Schedule campus tours of school(s) that are definite interests
    • Seek out ACT/SAT preparation courses and opportunities
      • ACT, SAT websites, College in Colorado, private instruction
      • Public school evening classes
  • SPRING
    • Check for summer employment, internships and community services opportunities.
    • Register for SAT and/or ACT. May retake in the fall
    • Continue online or actual campus tours
    • Identify two individuals (at least one instructor)who can support you with letters of recommendations as part of eventual college applications
  • SUMMER
    • Construct and edit responses to admission essay questions
    • Employment/internships
    • Familiarize self with college/universities application procedures/deadlines